Police agencies up patrols in area

Corey Gray

Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, July 11, 2002

Area law enforcement agencies are at a "heightened sense of awareness" after receiving warnings from the FBI concerning possible terrorist threats toward refineries in the Pasadena area. Today was mentioned as a possible target date, prompting police departments to bulk up their patrols in and around State Hwy. 225, which runs alongside dozens of plants and refineries.

The Pasadena Police Department is well aware of the potential danger to the plants, and to the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. According to Police Chief P.D. Cobb, the PPD will take every precaution to assure the safety of Pasadena residents.

"We're taking extra steps, as far a security goes, along the 225 corridor and around the Bayport Industrial District," Cobb said. "Mainly, (we are) prepared to respond in the event that something does occur. We are maintaining these areas for any suspicious activity and maintaining communication with other area law enforcement agencies, as well as the FBI and the Harris County Sheriff's Department with regard to anything they may notice."

While the terroristic threats may be vague, the PPD plans to err on the side of caution in reacting to the possibility of attacks.

"(We) are using extra caution because of this threat, because we don't know if it is legitimate; it has not been corroborated or substantiated," Cobb said. "But because we do have a large chemical and refining area here, naturally the threat being against refineries is going to raise some attention."

Harris County Precinct 2 deputies will also be on the alert for anything out of the ordinary. Extra patrols will cover the Port of Houston Authority and the Houston Ship Channel.

"Every time we get one of these (threats), it heightens (our) senses," said Constable Gary Freeman. "You can't afford to take anything for granted. The problem with being able to react specifically is that there is no real specific threat … other than just having more heightened awareness, I can't say that we are looking for any particular event or perpetrators, (but) since Sept. 11, obviously everybody's view on the way we react to these things is a lot different."

The Deer Park Police Department is ready to respond if need be. According to Capt. E.G. Sturrock, they are aware of the possibility of terror and have made the necessary arrangements to act quickly should the need arise.

"We have a heightened awareness and are paying a lot more attention to what goes on in the proximity of the industrial complexes," he said. "We are taking appropriate precautions, but it's predicated on the fact that this was directed to Pasadena, Calif. But we are a consideration, and we are aware of it."

"Basically all we can do is increase patrols, but if we are preventative and proactive, then hopefully, this will change (a would-be terrorist's) mind."

Reff said extra patrols will cover 225 for the next few weeks as a precaution.

Harris County Sheriff's deputies will also be assigned to the area. Their presence should add an additional safeguard to the possible target area.

"We take every threat seriously," said Lt. Robert Van Pelt, spokesman for the Harris County Sheriff's Department. "In response to this latest threat, we've increased our presence in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, particularly the refineries, the chemical plants and the Port of Houston.